The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to resign, alleging his complicity in corruption cases linked to the administration of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the group accused Ododo—who served as Auditor-General for Local Governments during Bello’s tenure—of failing to account for widespread misappropriation of local government funds that occurred during that period. According to MEKSTA, the alleged diversion of funds has since become the subject of multiple judicial proceedings.
The group expressed concern over what it described as a persistent erosion of justice and accountability in Kogi State, warning that corruption and political patronage among those in authority are undermining governance and stalling development. MEKSTA argued that, rather than upholding constitutional principles, public officials have enabled practices that obstruct transparency and sustainable progress.
MEKSTA further claimed that Governor Ododo is acting under the continued influence of former governor Bello, whom it accused of orchestrating questionable financial transactions during his years in office. The group alleged that Bello handpicked Ododo as his successor in the 2023 election to protect himself from scrutiny and shield past actions from investigation.
According to the statement, Ododo’s eight-year tenure as Auditor-General for Local Governments raises serious questions about his oversight role during a period when, the group alleges, local council funds were routinely diverted. MEKSTA also alleged that Ododo has been linked to ongoing court proceedings involving financial misconduct under the Bello administration.
The group cited reports that Ododo attempted to interfere with judicial proceedings by offering ₦50 million to influence an Abuja court hearing a case involving his Chief of Staff, Ali Bello, a relative of the former governor. Ali Bello has been implicated in several alleged financial irregularities, which prosecutors say were carried out in a private capacity but in connection with Bello’s administration.
MEKSTA further argued that the appointment of Ali Bello as Chief of Staff was intended to provide him with official cover and shield him from legal accountability. The group said the development raises serious concerns about governance standards, integrity, and the rule of law in the state.
Ongoing Trial of Former Governor
Meanwhile, the trial of former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello continued on January 29, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Bello is facing a 19-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.24 billion.
At the hearing, Prosecution Witness Seven, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank, testified on financial transactions linked to Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Limited. According to Egoro, the accounts received substantial inflows traced to several Kogi State local government councils.
Egoro told the court that between May and December 2022, the Fazab account recorded inflows totaling over ₦2.56 billion, largely from local government sources. He added that significant portions of these funds were withdrawn in cash, with cumulative withdrawals amounting to more than ₦580 million during the period under review. He also identified transfers to other entities and individuals, which prosecutors say form part of the alleged laundering scheme.
Alleged Evidence Tampering
In a related development, Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, on February 5, 2026, ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to investigate allegations of evidence tampering involving a court registrar and a defendant in a separate ₦10 billion fraud case.
The court was informed that the registrar, Nasiru Onimisi Zubairu, allegedly agreed to delete WhatsApp messages from a defendant’s phone in exchange for promised accommodation. An EFCC investigator later confirmed that several messages, some of which reportedly implicated Governor Ododo, were missing from the device submitted as evidence.
Justice Omotosho ordered a full investigation and adjourned the matter to February 9, 2026.
Revenue, Borrowing, and Governance Concerns
MEKSTA also criticised the Ododo administration’s fiscal record, noting that the state has reportedly received over ₦600 billion in federation allocations and other revenues in less than two years. The group questioned the outcomes of this spending, alleging that there is little evidence of completed or commissioned projects commensurate with the funds received.
The group expressed further concern over the government’s plan to raise an additional ₦50 billion through Sukuk bonds to finance an international airport and market. MEKSTA argued that such projects are ill-timed, given persistent challenges in electricity supply, water access, healthcare, and other basic services across the state.
According to the group, prioritising large-scale infrastructure while essential needs remain unmet reflects poor judgment and misplaced fiscal priorities.
In conclusion, MEKSTA called on Governor Ododo to resign, stating that stepping aside would be an honourable decision in the interest of justice, accountability, and the welfare of Kogi State residents.
Those who signed the statement are:
• Hon. Obafemi Medaiyese (Yagba Federal Constituency)
• Comrade Joseph Mebatonije (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency)
• Alhaji Yusuf Kpareke (Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency)
• Mallam Jimoh Ozovehe (Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency)
• Dr. Nurudeen Adaviriku (Okene/Ogori-Magongo)
• Alhaji Isiaka Momoh (Ajaokuta Federal Constituency)
• Chief Ojonimi Adegbe (Idah/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency)
• Pastor Mark Onucheyo (Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency)
• Bishop Husseini Saidu (Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency)
